New Delhi: The decision to appoint five religious leaders as Minister of State by the Madhya Pradesh government has led to not just a barrage of criticism from opposition parties and political analysts but people at large on social media. While some are outrightly furious, many have been roasting CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan – peppering him and his government with jokes galore.

The MP government appointed five Hindu religious leaders as MoS late on Tuesday. Many felt it was an act of appeasement as many of these hermits were all set to campaign against what they said was a scam in the state government’s Narmada conservation programme. So, Narmadanand Maharaj, Hariharanand Maharaj, Computer Baba, Bhayyu Maharaj and Pandit Yogendra Mahant – none of whom with much or any political acumen, suddenly found themselves in a position of power. The stir was cancelled, the scam forgotten, ministerial signboards went up and promises made aplenty.

Lightening quick in making their opinions heard, Twitterati quickly joined hands in slamming the decision which, too many, appeared stemming from political compulsions ahead of state elections later this year.

What’s happening MP? Babas threaten to go on dharna, get mantri status instead. Dharna called off. And we say Indian elections are fought on development issues. What a joke!!#computerbaba

I guess #RapistRamRahim#RapistAssRaam went to prison early otherwise they too would have been in the reckoning to become ministers in Madhya Pradesh Govt. where babas are becoming ministers to enjoy power??#Baba

The newly-appointed hermits and CM Chouhan himself has defended the decision and said that people from every section of society must be given the responsibility of serving for the common good. Chouhan has said the hermits will actively lead programs and policies that would benefit Narmada river and the environment. Just that not many appear to be buying the argument. Not yet anyway.